WE WEAR PINK IN OCTOBER

It is human nature to be in denial of situations that are not pleasant. We tend to ignore the red flags, we overlook the signs and symptoms, and many a time turn a blind eye to something that is staring right at us.

It is the same with cancer. Unless we experience cancer in our own lives, or someone close to us does, we don't realize the fact that it can happen to anybody.

Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide, affecting millions of women. As we observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month in 2023, it's essential to address misconceptions surrounding this disease. As per a study, conducted in 2020, breast cancer accounted for 13.5% of all cancer cases and 10.6% (around 90000) of all fatalities in India.

True, breast cancer is one of the better-known and more talked-about cancers, but there are still so many misconceptions out there. It is thus, very important to know the facts and burst the myths surrounding this cancer.

1. A breast injury can cause breast cancer.

Injuries to the breast do not cause cancer.

Injuries caused by car accidents or a blow to the body, can lead to pain, bruising, or bleeding, which may result in a build-up of blood in the breast known as a hematoma. Additionally, fat necrosis, or scarring of the breast tissue, can occur following an injury, surgery, or biopsy. Generally, these injuries will heal on their own with time.

Occasionally, a breast cancer diagnosis may follow an injury, simply because the injury drew attention to a lump that had formed previously. However, the injury did not cause the cancer, the cancer was already there.

2. Breast cancer is more common in women with bigger breasts.

There is no connection between breast size and cancer risk.

Obesity, on the other hand, can increase the risk of breast cancer. In addition, family history and lifestyle factors can also influence the odds of getting breast cancer.

No matter what your breast size, it is important to conduct regular screenings, check-ups, and mammograms. Maintaining a healthy weight and getting regular exercise can also support overall health while reducing the risk factors for breast cancer.

3. Breast cancer only affects middle-aged or older women.

While most cases of breast cancer do occur in middle-aged or older women, a breast cancer diagnosis can happen at any age or any time.

About 9 percent of new breast cancer cases are found in women under age 45 and these cases are more likely to be found at a later stage.

Overall, women have a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer in their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society. However, the risk of developing breast cancer does increase with age.

In addition, women who have a mother, daughter, or sister (a first-degree relative) with breast cancer should begin screening 10 years before the age of diagnosis for that relative. For example, if your mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 41, you should start receiving annual mammograms at age 31. Regardless of your age or risk factors, it is always smart to focus on breast health and regular screenings.

4. Breast pain is a sign of cancer.

Breast pain is usually not a sign of breast cancer.

In fact, estimates say that only about 1 percent of women will be diagnosed with cancer after feeling pain in their breasts. On the flip side, some women who have already been diagnosed with breast cancer will report some breast pain.

The most common symptom of breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, is a new breast lump, though most lumps themselves are not cancerous or painful. Other symptoms can include swelling, changes in the nipple or skin, discharge, swollen lymph nodes, and, occasionally, breast or nipple pain.

5. Consuming sugar causes Breast cancer.

Sugar isn’t known for its health benefits, but it does not cause breast cancer.

Many doctors and health experts encourage patients to reduce or limit sugar intake because it is addictive and can contribute to mood swings, obesity, and illness. Weight gain and obesity, in particular, can increase the incidence of many cancers, but there is no direct link between sugar and breast cancer.

In a nutshell, it is never a bad idea to cut back on sugar consumption, but it shouldn’t be blamed for a breast cancer diagnosis.

6. Carrying a phone in your bra can cause Breast cancer.

While carrying your cell phone in your bra may not be the most comfortable choice, it does not cause breast cancer.

Studies on mobile phone signals have shown no link between phone use and cancer; scientists continue to monitor cell signals for potential longer-term impacts. You might also be pleased to know that brain and nervous system cancers have not changed in frequency, even as cell phone usage has ramped up among all age groups.

Nevertheless, to prevent potential skin burns or other issues, it’s ideal to keep your bra for its intended use and carry your mobile phone in a bag, purse, or pocket.

7. All breast cancers are the same.

There are many different types of breast cancer—which are determined by the specific cells in the breast that become cancer—and each type has different features and considerations.

Depending on the type of cancer and your individual circumstances, treatment, side effects, and prognosis will vary. While breast cancer might seem like a one-size-fits-all diagnosis on the outside, every type of cancer is different, which is why it is essential to learn as much as you can if breast cancer affects you or someone you love.

8. Bras with underwire can cause cancer.

No matter what the type, bras do not cause cancer.

There is no evidence to support the myth that lymph fluid is restricted when wearing an underwire bra (which sparked this myth decades ago) or any other type of clothing, although bras that do not fit well can cause discomfort and swelling. Likewise, no evidence supports the idea that going braless reduces the risk of breast cancer. Ultimately, it is important to find a bra that fits

well and suits your lifestyle, whether you prefer underwires or not, that is completely your choice.

9. Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer.

Only a small percentage of breast lumps turn out to be cancer.

But if you discover a persistent lump in your breast that is new or notice any changes in breast tissue, it should never be ignored. It is very important that you see a physician for a clinical breast exam.

Take charge of your health by learning and performing routine breast self-exams, establishing ongoing communication with your doctor, getting an annual clinical breast exam, and scheduling your routine screening mammograms.

10. Men do not get breast cancer.

On the contrary, this year it is estimated that approximately 2,800 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer. While this percentage is still small, men should also check themselves periodically by doing a breast self-exam while in the shower and reporting any changes to their physicians.

Breast cancer in men is usually detected as a hard lump underneath the nipple and areola.

11. A mammogram can cause cancer or spread it.

A mammogram, or x-ray of the breast, currently remains the gold standard for the early detection of breast cancer.

Breast compression while getting a mammogram cannot cause cancer nor does it spread it. In fact, tighter compression during a mammogram leads to clearer images that are easier for the radiologist to read.

According to the National Cancer Institute, “The benefits of mammography, however, nearly always outweigh the potential harm from the radiation exposure. Mammograms require very small doses of radiation. The risk of harm from this radiation exposure is extremely low.”

12. If you have a family history of breast cancer, you are likely to develop breast cancer.

Although it is seen that if you have a family history of breast cancer, you are in a higher risk group, most women who have breast cancer have no family history. Statistically, only about 10% of individuals diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of this disease.

• If you have a first-degree relative with breast cancer: If you have a mother, daughter, or sister who developed breast cancer below the age of 50, you should consider some form of breast imaging starting 10 years before the age of your relative’s diagnosis.

• If you have a second-degree relative with breast cancer: If you have had a grandmother or aunt who was diagnosed with breast cancer, your risk increases slightly, but it is not in the same risk category as those who have a first-degree relative with breast cancer.

• If you have multiple generations diagnosed with breast cancer on the same side of the family, or if there are several individuals who are first-degree relatives to one another, or several family members diagnosed under age 50, the probability increases that there is a breast cancer gene contributing to the cause of this familial history.

13. Breast cancer is contagious.

You cannot catch breast cancer or transfer it to someone else’s body.

Breast cancer is the result of uncontrolled cell growth of mutated cells that begin to spread into other tissues within the breast. However, you can reduce your risk by practicing a healthy lifestyle, being aware of the risk factors, and following an early detection plan so that you will be diagnosed early if breast cancer were to occur.

14. If you have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, you will definitely develop breast cancer.

According to the National Cancer Institute, "not every woman in such families carries a harmful BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, and not every cancer in such families is linked to a harmful mutation in one of these genes. Furthermore, not every woman who has a harmful BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation will develop breast and/or ovarian cancer. But, a woman who has inherited a harmful mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 is about five times more likely to develop breast cancer than a woman who does not have such a mutation.”

For people who discover they have a harmful mutation, there are various proactive measures that can be done to reduce risk. These include taking a hormonal therapy called Tamoxifen or deciding to take a surgical prevention approach which is to have bilateral prophylactic mastectomies, usually done with reconstruction. Most women will also have ovaries and fallopian tubes removed as well since there is no reliable screening test for the early stages of developing ovarian cancer.

15. Antiperspirants and deodrants cause breast cancer.

Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) are not aware of any conclusive evidence linking the use of underarm antiperspirants or deodorants and the subsequent development of breast cancer.

So, this October, join us to raise more awareness about Breast cancer and support women all over the world fighting it.